Health Ministry issues guidelines for New Year celebrations

General guidelines for New Year festivals, including traditional folk games, are issued by the Health Ministry this year. The Ministry of Health informs organisers to pay close attention to these directives when planning events.

The guidelines state that it is mandatory to inspect festival locations and areas before competitions, check the safety of equipment used, and monitor air pollution levels. Organisers are advised to maintain a first-aid centre staffed with trained providers and use efficient communication systems with essential emergency phone numbers.

Suitable vehicles such as ambulances or small lorries, excluding three-wheelers, should be prepared for hospitalising individuals in an emergency. Competitors in long-duration events like marathons, cross-country races, swimming, and cycling must obtain medical fitness certificates at least one week before the race.

For marathons, the instructions specify providing water or saline water every kilometre, deploying mobile medical teams, setting up shaded areas along the route, and advising participants to wear light, breathable clothing. Regarding pillow-fighting contests, the guidelines suggest discouraging aggressive behaviour and undergoing medical check-ups for head, neck, and spinal conditions.

The Health Ministry points out that tug-of-war events should use a strong rope between 25 and 35 meters long on non-hazardous grassy ground. For sack races, it is essential to use a flat surface free of debris and high-quality sacks that are inspected before the game.

The instructions further highlight the need to consider extreme sunlight, suggesting events be organised in shaded areas, and long-duration races start before 7:00 AM. The Ministry of Health notes that participating while under the influence of alcohol is inappropriate and emphasises that both organisers and competitors must strictly follow these guidelines.